JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is reminding students to file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the April 1 Access Missouri Grant deadline to qualify for the most financial aid possible and help broaden their higher education opportunities. The Access Missouri Grant provided over $81 million to more than 40,000 students during the 2023-24 academic year, including awards of up to $2,850. Access Missouri can combine with other federal and student non-loan aid, such as the Pell Grant, to help cover a student’s cost of attendance. Awards are need-based and eligibility is determined using the information provided on the FAFSA form. “Filing a FAFSA is the first step to applying for state and institution financial aid, including Access Missouri,” explained Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. “Our department wants to ensure that every eligible Missourian has access to state financial aid. The Access Missouri Grant opens doors to more postsecondary education options for students, which in turn leads to more employment opportunities, higher wages, and lower unemployment.” Eligible students who complete the FAFSA before the April 1 final deadline may receive an Access Missouri award, subject to available funding, and will have until July 31 to make any needed FAFSA corrections. Information about Access Missouri eligibility and award amounts are available on the MDHEWD website. Students and parents can also visit Journey to College to learn more about the FAFSA and explore helpful resources, including frequently asked questions, a FAFSA checklist, steps to creating an FSA ID, and more. More information about other Missouri grants and scholarships, federal grants, and grants and scholarships offered by schools is available at dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants. Student specific eligibility information is available in the DHEWD Student Portal at https://web.dhewd.mo.gov/studentportal/. | 